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Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports 3/2024

Open Access 02-05-2024 | Heart Failure | Review

Relevance of Cardiovascular Exercise in Cancer and Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction

Authors: Simon Wernhart, Tienush Rassaf

Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports | Issue 3/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) has been identified as a threat to overall and cancer-related survival. Although aerobic exercise training (AET) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), the relationship between specific exercise regimens and cancer survival, heart failure development, and reduction of CTRCD is unclear. In this review, we discuss the impact of AET on molecular pathways and the current literature of sports in the field of cardio-oncology.

Recent Findings

Cardio-oncological exercise trials have focused on variations of AET intensity by using moderate continuous and high intensity interval training, which are applicable, safe, and effective approaches to improve CRF.

Summary

AET increases CRF, reduces cardiovascular morbidity and heart failure hospitalization and should thus be implemented as an adjunct to standard cancer therapy, although its long-term effect on CTRCD remains unknown. Despite modulating diverse molecular pathways, it remains unknown which exercise regimen, including variations of AET duration and frequency, is most suited to facilitate peripheral and central adaptations to exercise and improve survival in cancer patients.
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Metadata
Title
Relevance of Cardiovascular Exercise in Cancer and Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors
Simon Wernhart
Tienush Rassaf
Publication date
02-05-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Heart Failure Reports / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 1546-9530
Electronic ISSN: 1546-9549
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-024-00662-0

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